Thermal Arc 190GTS Tig Problems.. Please Help...

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Hello Everyone,Ok, so my TA 190GTS (maybe 10 years old?) has been giving me problems, and I can't afford to get a new one right now..  So, I'm going to try to fix this thing with as little money as possible..  When I push down on the foot pedal, the high frequency starts the arc and it welds fine, then the next time I push the foot pedal, I get nothing..  If I flip the switch to lift start, I can't get an arc that way either..  It's like the machine isn't sending power to the torch..  I've been told that its more than likely a bad torch / cable, but before I spend 100$ on a new torch and cable, I would like to hear what other people have to say..  Have you experienced this?  What do you think the problem is?  I've checked and everything is tightened up well, and the work clamp is secured fine.  I did have the machine sitting in my garage for a couple of years (not being used).  It worked fine before I tucked it away in the garage, but now that I'm trying to use it, I'm having problems.  I did pull the cover off and everyting looks good on the inside (at least no obvious problems).  Any advice?Thanks,DanEsab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:Does the machine have a slope or pulse feature?  If so, make sure all the features are turned off.  On some of those programs, hitting the pedal once starts one operation, hitting it again turns off that step and starts the next, etc on down the line.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Yes, the machine does have slope and pulse.  I believe I had them off, but I will check and try it again just to make sure.  ThanksEsab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:Ok, I just went out and made sure both the slope and pulse were off.  I replaced the dinse connector on the work clamp (I just noticed that it didn't like to stay tight).  I fired up the machine and used it for about a minute and it didn't act up at all.  I'm going to try to give it a workout this afternoon and I'll see if it acts up..  For some reason, based on the way its been acting, I have a feeling that after a little while it'll stop working again.  We'll see..Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:I recently bought an old Dialarc HF that had been sitting unused for about 10 years. When I finally got it fixed up and tried to TIG with it I got one spark and then it went dead. With some testing I found that the water cooled lead to the torch had opened up, a result of corrosion from lack of use. I purchased a replacement lead from my LWS (25' for about $35), and installed it myself. The torch handle slides back exposing the connections. Then it's easy to replace the lead.  An easy way to test to see if the torch lead is your problem is to try to stick weld. If the welder is working OK you should be able to stick weld with no problems. If you have a problem when trying this double check to make sure that you have a good ground connection. Re-clean the connection so that you are positive that it's making contact and check the wire for damage. If you can weld with the stick, your problem has to be the TIG torch lead. If you can't get a spark stick welding, then your problem is either inside the welder or with your ground lead.CharleyMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:Thanks Charley, thats a good point!  I was just using the machine and it was working perfect (so far), I'm not sure if replacing that dinse connector was the cure or not though.  The next time it acts up I'll switch it to stick and see what it does.  ThanksDanEsab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v